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Kidney Treatment Centre official opening

Two new centres for cancer and kidney treatment in Sidcup were officially opened by James Brokenshire MP on Tuesday 19 September.

Two new centres for cancer and kidney treatment in Sidcup were officially opened by James Brokenshire MP on Tuesday 19 September. Both centres are run by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust on the Queen Mary’s Hospital (QMH) site so that patients can receive treatment closer to where they live. The new Kidney Treatment Centre (KTC) is run in partnership with kidney dialysis specialists Diaverum. It replaced a temporary unit on the QMH site.

James Brokenshire, MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, said: "Both the cancer and kidney treatment centres at Queen Mary's Hospital will make a huge difference to patients by delivering world leading treatments close to home. “Having these incredible facilities on our doorstep, backed up by the expertise of Guy's and St Thomas' and the support of Macmillan Cancer Support and Dimbleby Cancer Care, is utterly transformative. Rather than being forced to travel up to London, people will now be able to get the specialist treatment they need here in Sidcup. "I've lobbied and campaigned over several years to see these centres come about and followed the projects from the first spade being put in the ground. It's therefore quite a special moment and a privilege to be part of the official opening and to now see them delivering the high quality NHS care we all had hoped for. “I congratulate everyone involved in bringing this about and thank the incredible healthcare staff providing the care and treatment to patients."

Sir Hugh Taylor, Chairman of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are making things better for patients by bringing cancer care and dialysis treatment closer to where they live.

“These centres bring the same high quality treatment available in central London close to patients living in Bexley and the surrounding areas whilst reducing the stresses and strains of travel.”

The Kidney Treatment Centre, which opened its doors to patients in April, has increased the number of kidney dialysis stations from 12 to 20 and there are also consultation rooms for outpatient appointments. Rachel Hucknall, Operations Director at Diaverum, said: "We are delighted to be operating from the new 'state of the art' Kidney Treatment Centre. Not only will more dialysis patients be able to dialyse closer to their home, they will also be able to access other services in the new outpatient facility."

Guy’s Cancer and the Kidney Treatment Centre at QMH are part of a £30 million redevelopment of the Sidcup hospital site by Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust which owns and manages it. The vision for its future is as a hub for services run by providers including Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College Hospital and other local trusts.

Andy Trotter, Chair of Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, opened the event by welcoming guests and said: "It's fantastic to see so many people here today to commemorate the opening of this amazing facility at Queen Mary's Hospital."